What to do if American cockroaches appear in your apartment?

The American cockroach is a species of insect native to Africa. They began to spread throughout the world back in the 17th century by sea. They are called American because the cockroach has taken root well in the USA. The American cockroach adapts well to any conditions. That is why it can be found all over the world (except Antarctica), as well as in Russia, where there are severe frosts.

It is mainly the red type of cockroaches that takes root indoors, while black ones are rare due to their increased thermophilia. In apartment conditions, cockroaches can multiply and form entire colonies. The main habitats are thermal collectors, batteries, heaters, ventilation, sheathing, greenhouses, and basements. The warmer the environment, the higher the insect's reproduction rate. Cockroaches go out in search of food at night, live in groups, there is no distribution of roles in the colony, but the colony makes the decision to migrate jointly.

Colonies of American cockroaches are dangerous to health because they carry bacteria and pathogenic microflora and cause allergies.

Who is he and what does he look like, photo

The American cockroach is a native of Africa, brought to the American continent, where it settled permanently. Insects have spread throughout European countries due to their good adaptability to changing living conditions.

Outwardly, they resemble a Prussian, but differ in size. Prussians have a height of 1.5 mm. A distinctive feature is also the pattern on the upper part of the back; in Prussians these are two dark longitudinal stripes.

Adult cockroaches have an elongated body that is red-brown, dark brown or light tan in color. The body is elongated and slightly flattened in the horizontal plane. The larvae, or nymphs, do not have a flying apparatus and are small in size. They have a fixed segmentation of the abdomen, and in an adult individual it is an imago, that is, it is completely covered with wings. The length ranges from 2.8 to 4.4 cm. Females are always larger than males, whose length reaches 3.6 cm. A female can be identified by its chitinous elytra - they are shorter than the abdomen. In males, the elytra completely cover the body, which is why they appear more massive than females.

In the middle of the back, American cockroaches of any sex have a light yellow stripe, which is considered the main characteristic of the species. The head has an elongated shape and long antennae. The legs are long with claws and suckers, and there are sharp spines on the shins. Insects of this species can make small jumps and also fly. This type of cockroach can run a distance of 75 cm in a second.

Like all cockroaches, American cockroaches also have:

1. The mouthparts are of a gnawing type and have hard chitinous teeth. The insect's jaws are strong, capable of chewing a hole in denim if there is no more attractive food.
2. Developed, large and reticulated wings. In males they protrude beyond the edge of the abdomen by 5-9 mm. Due to the specific shape of its wings, the American cockroach can stay in the air, actively flapping them when jumping from a hill.
3. Plate. Both sexes of insects have segmented processes at the end of the body, which are called cerci. Males have a genital plate similar in appearance to the cerci, but smaller in size.
4. Long antennae, which consist of segments and act as a tactile organ, sensitive to surfaces of different types, air vibrations and sound waves.
5. Large, faceted eyes located on the sides of the triangular head. These insects have a unique visual field, thanks to which they are able to see in all directions at once.

In the photo you can clearly see the elongated shape of the head with antennae, a gnawing apparatus with chitinous teeth, legs with long claws and suckers, and elytra. Visualization helps to see the dark brown or light red body color specific to the American cockroach.

Appearance of an African descendant

Imported from the USA, the ubiquitous and persistent cockroach, having adapted to new conditions, has become a full-fledged inhabitant of apartments and basements of residential buildings. In search of food, it is able to migrate over long distances, flying from place to place. In their natural environment, African cockroaches are found in rotting wood, wooden piles, palm trees, heat pipes and sewer systems.

Insects have a rather long, flattened body, which allows them to easily enter rooms through window and door cracks, as well as technical openings of various communications. Adults reach sizes of up to 50 mm; the body structure is in many ways similar to other varieties. The palm parasite is colored red-brown. Along the edges of the cockroach's prodosum, pale brown or yellowish stripes are clearly visible. The distinctive features of this type of pest from other relatives are their characteristic features:

• The gnawing structure of the mouthparts of the American cockroach, equipped with chitinous growths. Thanks to such “teeth”, an omnivorous insect can easily feed on various waste and food products, gnaw through fabric, leather, cardboard, which are often used as food.
• The presence of wings. There are two pairs of them and they are clearly distinguishable. With their help, the insect has the ability to glide in the air and descend from a height, which is why it is often classified as a flying cockroach. In males, the wings are long, overlapping the abdomen with a margin of 6-8 mm, while in the opposite sex they are shortened.
• Adults have numerous segmented processes called cerci located at the end of the body. In male American cockroaches, between these organs there is a pair of smaller appendages - the genital plate.
• The main organ of touch is long, segmented antennae. With their help, the American insect not only reacts to odors, determining the path to food, but also detects the slightest vibrations in the air, signaling danger.
• On the sides of the triangular head are two large compound eyes. Their special structure and location allows the insect to view the area in all directions.
• American pests live in large colonies that are constantly increasing in size.
• Insects are capable of pathogenesis - fertilization of a female egg without the participation of a male, but in most cases classic reproduction of American cockroaches occurs.

Interesting!

Insects are considered the fastest among their relatives, as they are able to cover a distance of 0.75 m in one second.

American cockroach

Features of the view

American cockroaches choose to live in damp and warm places where food waste dumps or food storage areas are accessible.

Adults, larvae and nymphs lead a hidden lifestyle during the daytime, and at night they become active and move or fly in small jumps across contaminated areas in search of food.

Insects are mainly found in underground communications and basements, in residential buildings, in greenhouses, in food stores, and storage facilities.

In their natural environment, American cockroaches live in rotting wood and organic debris. They easily enter rooms through window or door cracks, which is facilitated by the flattened shape of their body.

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American cockroaches feed on food scraps, garbage from garbage containers, and even excrement. In the absence of food, they can eat anything that contains organic matter of animal or plant origin. American cockroaches can eat leather, soap, fabrics, paper, and indoor flowers.

Insects are afraid of lack of moisture. The American cockroach cannot live even a week without water. Given this feature of the insect, the cold blockade technique is often used in the fight against them, isolating them from the water source.

This type of insect differs in its life expectancy. Males live up to 1.5 years, and females up to 3 years. They are long-lived in the insect world.

Pests have a significant impact on the epidemiological situation in cities, since they are carriers of helminth eggs and pathogens.

It is important to pay attention to the inspection wells of sewer systems, from where cockroaches easily penetrate into living quarters.

American cockroaches in Moscow

American cockroaches appeared in Moscow in the 40s of the last century, but the conditions were not very suitable for them - the Americans settled in the center of the capital, occupying underground communications and sewers. Sometimes they penetrate to the surface and even into the first floors of buildings, but not further, since there is low humidity there. The general fashion for European-quality renovations has further worsened their living conditions - now there is no dripping from the sewer pipe anywhere, and the cracks and cracks have disappeared.

However, in some places, American cockroaches sometimes appear, and with them comes the threat of infestation and infection. Yes, and food spoilage, as well as the likelihood of bites, should not be discounted - however, getting rid of parasites is not so easy.

Distribution area

The American cockroach is widespread in its homeland - Africa, as well as in the countries of North and South America. The insect is also widespread in European countries; in Russia it has been significantly replaced by the Prussian, which is more adapted to life in urban conditions. This type of insect cannot tolerate the harsh climate of latitudes. The cold climate does not allow them to settle in garbage cans, where there is always food, and it is more difficult for a large American cockroach to hide than for a small Prussian.

American cockroaches often travel in cardboard packages in which they transport various goods.

Where does the American cockroach live?

Photo: Great American cockroach

American cockroaches live primarily outdoors, but are often found inside buildings. In the northern United States, American cockroaches are typically found in sewer and drainage systems. In fact, American cockroaches are the most common cockroach species in urban sewer systems. In the southern United States, American cockroaches are often spotted in shady and moist areas, such as flower beds and under mulch piles. During the summer months they can also be found outdoors in yards and alleys.

Fun Fact: It has been reported that over 5,000 individual American cockroaches have been found in one manhole.

American cockroaches will move indoors if they experience food shortages or significant climate change. In general, American cockroaches prefer warm, moist, and dark environments with temperatures ranging from 21 to 26 degrees Celsius. They often enter structures through human entry, exit from the sewer system through drains, or periodic mass migration from other structures, landfills, etc. during warm weather.

American cockroaches are especially common in larger commercial buildings such as restaurants, bakeries, grocery stores, food processing plants, hospitals, etc., where they commonly infest food storage and preparation areas, boiler rooms, steam tunnels, and basements. These pests can also enter homes by easily passing under doors that are not weather-resistant or passing through basement windows and garages.

Once inside the home, American cockroaches typically make their way into the kitchen, bathroom, basement or laundry room in search of food and water. In the northern United States, the cockroach is primarily found in steam heat tunnels or large public buildings. The American cockroach is second only to the German cockroach in numbers.

Behavior and lifestyle

American cockroaches are active nocturnal creatures, hiding in cracks and crevices during the day, loving moisture and preferring warm, humid environments, but adapting easily to dry conditions. They are able to move very quickly and have quick reactions. Insects choose sewers, pipelines, other underground structures, as well as boats as their habitat. Because American cockroaches eat a variety of foods, they will breed in areas where that food is stored or produced.

In residential areas, red cockroaches are mainly found, which have adapted to the cool climates of many European countries.

Black cockroaches prefer to live in large colonies of several thousand insects, and therefore are rarely found in apartments, but more often in abandoned buildings and barns.

American cockroaches are omnivores and can eat anything that contains natural ingredients to satisfy their hunger. Pests can live up to 40 days without food because they are cold-blooded and can slow down their metabolism. But the lack of moisture has a detrimental effect on them.

As they move, these insects carry bacteria, as well as pathogens such as salmonella and E.coli. In their habitats, cockroaches leave cuticle, excrement and other deposits that can cause allergies and bronchial asthma.

Origin of the species and description

Photo: American cockroach

American cockroaches are dirty pests and their presence in the home can pose a serious health threat. Cockroaches have been reported to spread at least 33 species of bacteria, including E. coli and salmonella, as well as six species of parasitic worms and at least seven other species of human pathogens.

Video: American cockroach

They collect germs on the spines of their legs and bodies as they crawl through decaying matter or wastewater, and then transfer the germs to food surfaces or cooking surfaces. The saliva, urine and excrement of American cockroaches contain allergen proteins that cause allergic reactions and asthma attacks. Thus, cockroaches are a common cause of year-round allergies and asthma symptoms, especially in children.

Fun fact: American cockroaches are a significant pest worldwide. However, they are not native to America at all. The real home of the American cockroach is actually tropical Africa. Evidence indicates that the American cockroach was transported to America on slave ships.

Forty-seven species are included in the genus Periplaneta, none of which are endemic to the United States. The American cockroach was introduced to the United States from Africa as early as 1625 and spread throughout the world through commerce. It is found mainly in basements, sewers, steam tunnels and drainage systems. This cockroach is easily found in commercial and large buildings such as restaurants, grocery stores, bakeries and anywhere food is prepared and stored. The American cockroach is rarely found in homes, but infestations can occur after heavy rain.

Natural value

In tropical forests, which are the natural habitat of cockroaches, these insects play the role of orderlies, destroying organic remains of plants and other insects. Cockroaches cleanse nature of decaying fragments on the surface layer of soil.

When cockroaches move into living spaces, they become pests. They are omnivores and are a scourge for greenhouses and pose a danger to human health.

Some naturalists keep American cockroaches in terrariums as pets. They are fed with bran, chopped grass and vegetables, and ready-made food for aquarium fish.

Can the American cockroach bite?

Proliferated colonies can cause allergic reactions and asthmatic attacks in individuals prone to reactions to enzymes secreted by females. Enzymes have a specific odor that repels enemies and causes allergies in humans. Young children suffering from atopic dermatitis and asthma are especially sensitive to insect secretions. Chitin membranes disintegrate and also irritate the respiratory tract.

Lack of food and water, as well as lack of food with numerous colonies, can provoke a cockroach to bite a person. This species of cockroach has a well-developed oral apparatus, thanks to which it can attack a sleeping person and try to gnaw off the skin in open areas. Along with a bite, a person can get dangerous diseases, since these insects feed on waste from garbage cans. Cockroaches rarely bite people, but they can bite pets more often, especially if the number of insects is large.

Reproduction of American cockroaches

The life cycle of insect development is incomplete. Development occurs over three phases: egg, larva (no wings or reproductive organs), and adult. The cockroach becomes an adult by the 400th day of life under favorable conditions. In the absence of such conditions, the development of the insect can take up to several years.

Mating is accompanied by a courtship ritual. A sexually mature female raises her wings and releases a pheromone that attracts males. Fertilization occurs when the cockroaches touch their backs. Adult females are able to reproduce without mating (parthenogenesis), that is, the egg develops in the body of the insect without the participation of a male. But mainly reproduction occurs through mating.

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An ootheca is a special arrangement of eggs in the form of a sac that can hold up to 16 eggs. The length of the masonry is on average 10 cm. The eggs in the ooteca are covered with a foamed protein substance, which, when hardened, provides thermal insulation. The capsule can withstand sub-zero temperatures and long-term exposure to aggressive chemical elements.

Reproduction occurs mainly in summer. Females wear the fully formed ootheca on themselves during the day, then place the cocoon in a cavity protected from cold and light. These could be cracks in the floor or gaps in the walls. During a season, a female American cockroach is capable of laying up to 15 cocoons containing an average of 16-28 formed eggs. The optimal temperature for the development of a generation of insects is +28-33 degrees. At lower temperatures, the larva in the egg matures over a longer period of time; sometimes the development of a hatched individual takes up to one year. The period of transformation of a larva into an adult includes 8-13 instars. During her life, the female is capable of laying about 90 oothecae.

After the final molt, the insect acquires wings and becomes capable of procreation. The entire life cycle takes from 6 months to a year. Females live slightly longer than males.

American black cockroach - features of the subspecies

Despite the fact that insects thrive in hot, humid tropical climates, they also easily adapt to our apartments.

Main habitats: thermal collectors, radiators, heaters, ventilation tunnels, greenhouses, sewer pipe linings. Humidity, warmth and the insect will survive at any time of the year and will reproduce successfully. Features of the species:

• Cockroaches are omnivores: food scraps, agricultural products, paper, soap, leather goods, garbage, fabric, organic matter.
• They tolerate powerful doses of radiation that exceed the maximum for humans by almost 15 times.
• Big sizes. The cockroach has an elongated body, covered with a brown or red chitinous shell, and agile legs. And the length of the pest can reach up to 5cm!
• The presence of wings.
• They live in large colonies that are constantly increasing in size.
• A cockroach of this species is capable of parthenogenesis: fertilization of an egg without the participation of a male!

American cockroach reproduction rate

The omnivorous insect not only adapts well to new living conditions, but also reproduces at a tremendous speed. So if you notice even one parasite in your apartment , you have serious work to do to destroy them.

With constant access to food and water, the American parasite reproduces 365 days a year. The male insect has a genital plate at the end of the abdomen, which consists of styli. An adult female cockroach has an ooteca in its body - a leathery capsule (egg sac), where the egg is laid.

The number of eggs varies from 12 to 16; they descend through a special channel into the egg chamber and there they are glued together with a special “solution”, forming a dense capsule. The female then hides her offspring in a secluded dark place with a suitable temperature.

The period of larval development is 20 days. The development cycle of an insect is considered incomplete: egg, larva and imago (adult). But the speed of development of each stage of insect maturation completely depends on favorable external factors. The full cycle can last up to 600 days, of which 400 are spent on the cockroach being in the adult stage. A female cockroach can lay up to 90 oothecae in her lifetime!

But if the air temperature drops to 0 degrees, the eggs and larvae seem to freeze and fall into suspended animation.

American cockroaches have appeared in the apartment - what is the danger in the neighborhood?

In addition to the fact that your apartment will be attacked by whole hordes of huge insects, you risk contracting dangerous diseases from them.

The cockroach is a carrier of infections, worm eggs, dangerous bacteria and viruses. But an adult female cockroach secretes sexual secretion, which is a very strong and toxic allergen.

Atopic dermatitis, urticaria, erosions, scars, asthma attacks and, in rare cases, shock - these are the consequences of contact with insects. The chitinous covering shed by the cockroach during molting is also recognized as an allergen for humans.

An insect, with insufficient food and water, can attack a person! Most often this happens at night; parasite bites are very painful, cause skin irritation and lead to infection with pathogenic bacteria.

How to deal with American cockroaches?

The best way to get rid of the parasite forever is , of course, to entrust all activities related to the destruction of cockroaches to exterminators. But if you are ready to try to expel insects from your home yourself, you will have to use effective chemical insecticides:

• Crayons and sticks (for example, “Mashenka”).
• Gels that do not dry for a long time and paralyze the nervous system of the cockroach.
• Aerosols are effective means, however, there is a danger of human poisoning (for example, “Raptor” Dichlorvos).
• Special traps with scents (to attract insects) and a sticky surface.
• Industrial products in the form of powders and solutions: strong concentration and quick effect, very toxic. American pests do not tolerate cold, so in winter you can try to freeze the room. Open windows and doors and leave the apartment exposed to cold temperatures. But folk remedies for killing insects are ineffective.

How to get rid of pests?

When American cockroaches are found in a residential area, the question immediately arises of how to get uninvited guests out of the apartment.

There are different methods of pest control:

1. Freezing and cooling the room. At zero temperatures and below, larvae enter into suspended animation and stop developing. The disadvantage of this method is that it is applicable only in the cold season;
2. The use of electromagnetic and ultrasonic bleaches in combination with effective toxic agents;
3. Using vinegar, turpentine, denatured alcohol, kerosene. The liquid is added to water, the floors and surfaces are treated with the solution;
4. Using chemicals against cockroaches. Gels, sprays, dusts are effective;
5. Use of bait and trap;
6. Repelling cockroaches with plants that have a pungent odor that is unpleasant for cockroaches (tansy, wormwood, peppermint, lavender);
7. Contact special insect removal services. Professional pest control helps to completely get rid of harmful insects.

Insecticides

Getting rid of pests with the help of modern drugs is not difficult. It is important to determine over time the removal of cockroaches and the toxicity of the product. Gel and crayons against cockroaches are effective for 2 – 3 weeks and have low toxicity. These products are allowed to be used in areas where children and animals live.

When the number of cockroaches in a room is large, and you need to get rid of them as soon as possible, in a matter of hours, it is recommended to use aerosols. Chemicals should be used with caution, observing safety precautions, and then ventilate the room for 6 hours.

Effective means include:

• Medilis Tseper . Available in concentrate form. Active component cypermethrin 25%. 10 ml of product should be diluted with a liter of water. The solution consumption is 50-100 ml per square meter, depending on the clutter of the room.
• Averfos . 1 drop of the product is enough to kill up to 500 cockroaches. Active ingredient: chlorpyrifos 48%. The working solution is prepared with 10 ml of the substance per liter of water. Consumption from 50 to 150 ml per 1 sq.m.
• Effective Ultra . A powerful insecticide that is several times more effective than a number of popular products. The solution should be sprayed onto the affected areas. Preparation: 5 ml of substance per 1 liter of water.
• Sipaz is great. The toxic substance can immobilize entire colonies of insects. The active ingredient is cypermethrin 25%. The working solution is prepared from 10 ml of the product diluted in 1 liter of water. Emulsion consumption 50-100 ml per sq.m.
• Fendona 1.5 SC – suspension . The suspension is highly concentrated, white in color and has a slight odor. Kills household insects within 24 hours, maintaining its effect for up to 60 days.
• K – Otrin SK 50 suspension. The insecticide is available in the form of a concentrated suspension. The product must be diluted with water (25-30 ml/1 l, depending on the severity of the situation), and then sprayed in places where there is a concentration of insects. The active substance in the composition is 5% deltamethrin.

Strong odors against cockroaches

You can get rid of cockroaches if you provide a strong smell in the room that is unpleasant for the insect. Repellents include citrus plants and fruits, strong-smelling liquids, and dried twigs of certain plants.

Cockroaches cannot tolerate the smell of kerosene or ammonia. They are diluted with water, and the resulting solution is treated with the room. There are cases when insects do not respond to such methods.

To get rid of pests, eucalyptus, mint, tansy, cedar, anise or orange peels are placed in cabinets, on window sills, behind radiators and in the corners of the room. The smells of plants also irritate the senses of smell, and cockroaches in a hurry decide to leave the cozy room.

Cockroach traps

An effective method is glue baits. Such products are safe for humans and animals, are highly effective and affordable. The disadvantages of traps include the need to frequently replace the trap, since cockroaches completely fill the tape or house. The product cannot destroy a large colony of insects.

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You can make a trap with your own hands from a jar. This trap is very simple to make; you need to put bait with a pleasant smell (honey, candy, vegetables) in a liter glass jar; the inside of the jar closer to the neck should be smeared with sunflower oil, as it will not allow the insect to get out. You need to place something with a rough surface near the jar to make it easier for pests to climb up. The contents of such traps must be thrown into the toilet every day.

An electric trap, which you can buy in a store, is also quite effective and not harmful to human health. A special bait is provided with the trap. It is placed in the center of the trap body, then the device is connected to the network, and electric current begins to flow through the wires. An insect that smells the bait will try to get to it. But as soon as the cockroach finds itself on the wires of the trap, it instantly dies from the effects of electric current. The trap needs to be cleaned periodically. For this purpose, a special brush is included in the device kit.

Ways to get rid of pests

Today there are a huge number of ways to exterminate insects. They are constantly being improved, since cockroaches have the ability to adapt to chemicals and not react to them in any way.

A cockroach can easily tolerate even increased radiation . For this insect, the lethal dose is fifteen times the human dose.

If there are a very large number of pests in an apartment or other premises, then it is best to contact professional services who can clear the area of ​​pests in two or three times. But if there are several cockroaches, you can try to fight them yourself:

• Freezing. At low temperatures, females cannot reproduce, and adults die due to cold and lack of food. The only negative is that this operation can only be carried out in winter and in latitudes where there is sub-zero temperature.
• Various drugs that can be purchased in stores. For example, sprays, gels, creams, traps. You should be very careful in rooms where small children and pets live.
• In addition to chemical agents, it is worth using ultrasonic or electromagnetic repellers. By themselves, these devices are not so potent, but coupled with poisons they will help rid the room of pests once and for all.
• Folk remedies. These insects are very afraid of the smell of tansy, wormwood, mint, and lavender. It is worth noting that such aromatherapy should be used as a preventive measure, and not as the main means of control.
• Treating floors and other surfaces with a solution of water and vinegar, turpentine or kerosene.

Breeding and where you can buy them, price

American cockroaches are bred in special cages or glass aquariums with a closing lid and good ventilation. Aquariums can be placed on a shelf with an electric heating cord. It is necessary to have a substrate, which is used as sawdust, peat or coconut substrate, with pieces of bark or packaging for chicken eggs on top. The substrate must be changed and cleaned at least once a month. Cockroaches are fed using a combination of dry and succulent food. To maintain humidity and drinkability, you should periodically spray the walls of the aquarium and the substrate with a spray bottle at least once every 2-3 days.

American cockroaches are quite different in their behavior from other species. After the larvae hatch from the egg, females care for the offspring for some time. The ritual of a male courting a female is also very interesting. Many insect lovers are intrigued by their spectacular appearance, which is a reason to keep cockroaches as a pet. This approach is incorrect, since these insects emit pheromones, which in nature repel enemies or attract sexual partners. In apartment conditions, the substance synthesized by the cockroach’s body can cause serious allergies or cause an exacerbation of bronchial asthma.

Cockroaches of this species are often raised to feed amphibians and lizards. Insects reproduce and grow quickly and are able to fully provide the inhabitants of terrariums with protein-rich food. The price for 1 kg of cockroach is about 2,500 rubles.

A lot of Chinese peasants breed American cockroaches, the price of which is quite high by Chinese standards - up to $50. Wang Fuming is considered the largest producer of cockroaches in China and on the entire planet. He has 6 farms that are home to approximately 10 million insects. He sells cockroaches to makers of traditional Asian medicines, cosmetics companies that value them as a source of protein and the cellulose found in their wings, and to restaurants. American cockroaches of the tawny type are in great demand, which not only grow to a length of 4 cm, but also can fly.

In China and South Korea, clinical trials are being conducted on drugs made from powdered dried cockroaches for the treatment of baldness, AIDS, malignant tumors and other serious diseases. In addition, insects are used as vitamin supplements. American cockroaches are considered a delicacy in many eastern countries and are used in food.

Is it true that the American cockroach moves at a speed of 5 km/h?

The fastest insect on earth is the American cockroach. Its speed reaches 5.4 km/h. In 1 second, an insect can run a distance that is 50 times the length of its own body. Compared to a human, this corresponds to a speed of approximately 330 km/h.

The American cockroach, often called the cosmopolitan cockroach, has distinctive characteristics compared to other insects. It is kept at home as a pet and used as food. Cockroaches of this type are dangerous to human health and if they are found in basements, apartments or barns, appropriate measures must be taken to clean the premises.

What does the American cockroach eat?

Photo: American cockroach in nature

The American cockroach is an omnivore. He will consider all options for his next meal. Food, feces, and everything in between are great options for a hungry cockroach. It consumes decaying organic matter, but is a scavenger and will eat almost anything.

He prefers sweets, but can also easily eat the following:

• paper;
• boots;
• hair;
• bread;
• fruits;
• book bindings;
• fish;
• peanut;
• old rice;
• putrid sake;
• soft parts of the insides of animal skins;
• textile;
• dead insects.

American cockroaches feed on many types of food, but they show a special love for fermenting material. When outdoors, they tend to eat decaying leaves, fungi, algae, tiny wood particles and small insects. Indoors, they eat crumbs found under appliances, in drains, behind kitchen cabinets and on the floor. They will also eat pet food that is left open to them. Anything that an American cockroach chews or walks on can be contaminated with bacteria. Unfortunately, you may not know that a cockroach was there, so surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned and food items should never be left exposed.

Reviews

Dear readers, you can leave your review about the American cockroach in the comments, your opinion will be useful to other users of the site!

Galina

We don’t have an apartment, but our own house, and it wasn’t difficult for the cockroaches to get into the room. A very unpleasant picture, and dangerous, because there are children living at home. I read that they are dangerous for cats and dogs, as they can bite and infect them with fungal diseases and worms. I fought against uninvited guests with boric acid. I diluted a teaspoon of boric acid in 200 ml of warm water and added honey. The resulting solution was used to treat all corners of the house, surfaces, and baseboards. I repeated the procedure several times. The results are good.

Rimma

We have small children, and it is not practical to use chemicals against cockroaches. The problem was dealt with using a trap. I learned about how to make such a device from a friend. You just need a glass jar and insect bait. The method helped. Most of them died with the help of a trap. I also used peppermint leaves and placed them in places where these pests live. It helped.